Pedestal for burial-caskets



(No Model.)

s, N. HISER. PEDESTAL FOR BURIAL GASKETS.

,8 51. Patented Feb. 13, .1894.

' ATTORNEYJ WITNESSES: MI

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

SHERMAN N. HISER, OF SPRINGFIELD, OHIO.

PEDESTAL FOR BU RIAL -CASKETS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 514,851, dated February 13, 1894.

Application filed April 17, 1893. Serial No. 470,533, (No model.)

vention is to provide a simple and inexpensive device especially adapted for the use of undertakers to support burial caskets during funeral ceremonies or under similar condi tions.

takers to provide pedestals for supporting burial caskets at funerals, 850. These usually consist of a platform with folding legs, or of a box or frame suitably draped with cloth or otherwise decorated. As at present employed these devices are bulky and occupy a considerable space in transportation.

To provide a neat and simple device, which may be readily folded up and occupy small space when not in use, is the especial object of the invention. I attain these objects by the constructions shown in the accompanying drawings, in Which Figure l is a perspective view of my device shown open ready for use. Fig. 2'is a similar view of the supporting frame of the same. Fig. 3 is aview of the frame folded up. Fig. 4 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the same in detail. Fig. 5 is a top or plan view of the same. Figs. 6 and 7 are details of the supporting arms.

Like parts are represented by similar letters of reference in the several views.

In the said drawings a, represents a central block or support, which is preferably made of wood and may be fluted or otherwise or-- namented. It is preferably covered with cloth but may be formed of natural wood or decorated in any desirable manner. Arranged at opposite ends of this central block or frame a, are metal plates 1), c, which are preferably secured to the block a, and to each other by fastening belts or rods a, which extend longitudinally through the block and through the said plates b, c. The plates 1), c, are provided with central openings b 0*, corresponding to a similar opening extending longitudinally through the block a, and through which a central rod d, is adapted to slide. This red (I, is provided near its opposite ends with spiders d, 01 to which arepivotally connected folding arms e, f respectively. These arms 6, f, are each preferably bifurcated at each end and adapted to engage with suitable lugs on the respective spiders at one end and 'at the other with suitable projections e, f respectively on hinged arms or legs 9, 71. respectively, the arms g, h, being pivotally connected to suitable projecting ears b, on the plates 5, and the legs-h, similarly connected t to projecting lugs or ears 0, on the plate 0. It IS at present the general custom of under- The result of this construction is that when the rod (1, is forced longitudinally downwardly through the block a, the legs h, and the arms g, are spread outwardly attheir outer extremities, as shown in Fig. 2. When the rod 01, is moved in the opposite direction these arms and legs are folded inwardly substantially in line with the block a, as shown in Fig. 3. v

Any desired number of legs and arms may be employed. I preferably employ four, as

indicated. The tops of the arms g, are preferably provided with suitable buttons or knobs g, over the top of which the upper end of the canvas or other similar material 9 is adapted to hook while the lower end is clamped between the block a and the plate I). The rod 01, is preferably provided at the top with a knob 01*, in which is pivoted a handle or bail d the end of the rod d, being adapted to project through the upper covering g for this purpose. In use the entire device is covered with cloth pieces 9 having one of their ends clamped between the block a and the plates 1) and c and suitably decorated or draped with funeral devices.

The rod (1, is preferably provided with a stop (1 adapted, when moved to its downward position, to rest in contact with the plate I), thus preventing the lower end of the rod from contacting with the floor or other support on which the pedestal rests. The top of the knob (1 in which is pivoted the handle at, is adapted to stand flush with or slightly below the tops of the buttons or knobs g, on the ends of the arms 9, when the device is ready for use, so that each of said knobs shall afford points of contact for the bottom of the easket when resting upon the top of the pedestal. The stop being arranged on the rod and the top of the rod being adapted to contact direct with the bottom of the casket, the weight will be divided between the said rod and arms. 7

WVhen not in use the device may be readily folded by pickingthe same up by the handle (1 which causes the arms and legs to fold, as before described; the device thus occupying small space for transportation or storage.

The upper armsare preferably madeslightly shorter than the lower, though this may be modified as desired.

Having thus described my invention, I clain1 1. In a pedestal for burial caskets, a central block or support having oppositely arranged platesatthe ends thereof, hinged arms and legs connected to said plates, and a flexible covering at each end of said support, said flexible coverings being respectively clamped between the end of said support and the said plates at one end and at the other end connected to said pivoted arms and legs, and means substantially as described for moving said arms and legs to fold and unfold the said pedestal substantially as specified.

2. In a folding pedestal for burial caskets, a central block or support and hinged arms and legs connected to each end of said block, flexible coverings extending in opposite directions from said supporting block to the ends of the respective arms and legs, a sliding rod connected to said arms and legs above and below said central block or support, and a folding handle attached to one end of said sliding rod, substantially as specified.

3. In a folding pedestal for burial caskets, a central support having pivoted arms connected thereto at each end, a rod extending through said support and connected by pivoted links to the arms and legs on opposite sides of said block, a stop on said rod to contact with said block, said stop being so arranged that the upper end of the rod will stand flush with the tops of the arms when the same are extended, substantially as specified.

4. In a folding pedestal for burial caskets, a central support, plates at each end of said support, pivoted arms and legs connected to said plates, a supporting rod extending through said plates and said support and connected by pivoted links to said arms andlegs on opposite sides of said support, a flexible cover clamped between the respective plates and support at each end of said support, said cover being connected to the free ends of said arms and legs, and a handle connected to said rod to operate said arms and legs, to fold and unfold the said pedestal substantially as specified.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 11th day of April, A. D. 1893.

SHERMAN N. IIISER. Witnesses:

ROBERT C. RODGERS, FRANK HOLT. 

